Fletcher to miss rest of season

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher will miss the rest of season after undergoing surgery to resolve his bowel condition.

Fletcher, 28, has been suffering from ulcerative colitis since March 2011, and in December that year it was confirmed he would be taking an extended break from the game.

In September last year, he made his first competitive appearance in ten months in the Champions League victory over Galatasaray at Old Trafford, but he was unable to start a game after the success against Reading on December 1.

Two brief substitute appearances followed that month against CFR Cluj and Newcastle, but he had not been included in the match-day squad since Boxing Day and he has now had an operation in a bid to resolve the issue.

A club statement read: "Darren Fletcher will be unavailable for the remainder of this season having undergone surgery to resolve his ulcerative colitis condition.
"We wish to stress this was a planned procedure undertaken at the optimal time having achieved a period of sustained good general health, as illustrated by the fact that Darren has trained with the team regularly this season and been available for selection right up to the operation.

"Whilst it is frustrating for both Darren and the club that he won't be able to contribute further during this campaign, this decision has been taken with our full support in the best interests of his long term health and we look forward to him returning next season with this problem firmly behind him.

"We would be grateful if his privacy could be respected at this time and in the coming months in order to aid his recuperation."

Gordon Strachan, the new Scotland manager, issued a statement in support of Fletcher in response to the news. Strachan said: "On behalf of the Scotland supporters, the national squad and backroom team, I wish Darren the best of luck in his recovery from the surgery that has been confirmed by his club.

"I spoke with Darren on Tuesday and know that the decision to have the operation has been taken in the interests of his long-term health and with the full backing of the medical staff at Manchester United.

"Darren's commitment and pride in playing for his country is an example to any professional footballer, as has been demonstrated by his availability for the recent World Cup qualifiers and the international challenge match against Luxembourg.

"I'm sure I speak for all Scotland fans when I say I hope that the operation allows Darren to overcome his condition and resume his role as a major influence for club and country in his own time. In the meantime, I have stressed to him that, as captain, he remains an integral part of the international set-up and that he is welcome to join up with the squad at any time during his recovery."